SHIMLA: Mr justice M S Ramachandra Rao is  the next Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court.

His appointment has been cleared by the Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Y Chandrachud after consultation.

In terms of memorandum of procedure consultation has been held  with the consulting judges with a view  to ascertain the suitability of Mr justice M S Ramachandra Rao for appointment as Chief Justice of High Court of Himachal Pradesh.

The consulting judges have concurred with the proposed appointment as per the order issued by the Supreme Court of India.

The office of the Chief  justice of High Court of Himachal Pradesh is vacant consequent upon the retirement of Mr justice Amjad  Sayed.

Mr justice MS Ramachandra Rao was appointed as a judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh on June 29, 2012. On the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh he opted for Telangana as his parent High Court.

He is functioning on transfer as a judge of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana since 12 October 2021.

He is the senior most among the push cinema judges originating from the high court of the state of Telangana.

The state of Telangana has no representation among Chief Justice of high courts.

Mr Justice MS Ramachandra Rao has acquired experience of dispensing justice in  two High Courts.

Having regard to all relevant factors, the collegium is of the considered view that he is suitable in all aspects for being appointed as the chief justice of High Court of Himachal Pradesh.